Cocktails, cowboys and a night of bootlegging mischief

Published 4:00pm 13 April 2026

Words by Bridie Middleton

From the moment we stepped through the saloon doors of the Moonshine Saloon, it was clear this was no ordinary night out.

Set in a dusty frontier town of the Cold Water 1904, Moonshine Saloon throws you head-first into the illicit world of bootlegging in the American West. It is Brisbane’s first Wild West immersive offering, blending a cocktail bar with theatrical performance.

On our visit last week, we were all thrown into Western-inspired outfits and led to a table with card games and drinks ready waiting. We were greeted in full character, complete with convincing American accents by the actors.

The dimly lit, detailed room makes it easy to forget you’re in Brisbane at all. It’s a Western bar with an atmosphere that feels playful and completely immersive.

Of course, the cocktails are a major drawcard. Four perfectly crafted drinks were served throughout the night and there was plenty more waiting behind the saloon doors.

The menu is themed and inspired by Wild West grapefruit-spiked Cackleberry, a honey-laced Bee-Sweetenin’ Gin Sour.

My personal favourite was the bourbon-forward Gold Rush.

Originally launched in London eight years ago, the immersive concept has built a strong international following, and it’s easy to see why.

Founder of Inventive Productions, Sam Shearman, says Brisbane was a natural choice for the next chapter of Moonshine Saloon.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch Moonshine Saloon in Brisbane as our first Australian location,” he said.

There is nothing quite like Moonshine Saloon in Brisbane at the moment, making it a standout outing for anyone in Moreton Bay looking for a reason to go out in the city.

By the end of the night, y'all be speaking in Wild Western accents, I guarantee it.